Telegraph: Ukraine defense support at risk as German government dissolves

The collapse of Germany’s governing coalition highlights the need for broader European support as Russian forces advance.

Nov 8, 2024 - 19:00

Telegraph: Ukraine defense support at risk as German government dissolves

scholz immediate nato invitation needed ukraine during wartime supplying tauruses wrong germany's federal chancellor olaf zdf program ‘maybrit illner’ 24 october 2024

Germany has plunged into political crisis after Chancellor Olaf Scholz dismissed Finance Minister Christian Lindner, leading to the collapse of the country’s coalition government and potentially impacting Ukraine’s defense support, The Telegraph says.

The Telegraph notes that, while current aid commitments are expected to remain unchanged, political uncertainty may hinder any increase in support at a critical time for Ukraine’s defense needs amid the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war. Additionally, Britain’s depleted military resources limit its ability to fill any potential gaps in aid.

The dismissal occurred on 6 November night. The next day, opposition conservatives urged Scholz to hold a vote of confidence immediately, enabling elections in January. The sacked minister and FDP leader, Lindner, also pressed Scholz to call for a confidence vote and new elections.

According to The Telegraph, the government’s collapse stems from disputes over environmental policies, with Lindner advocating for a reassessment of nuclear energy phase-out plans and criticizing Germany’s commitment to net-zero goals.

Meanwhile, Lindner himself says Scholz fired him after his proposal to approve the transfer of Taurus missiles to Ukraine instead of allocating financial aid. Taurus missiles can target hardened structures, including Russia’s illegally built Kerch Bridge, which falls within their range. However, Scholz remains strongly opposed to authorizing these missile supplies for Ukraine, fearing Moscow might expand the war beyond Ukraine in response.

German ruling coalition’s collapse badly timed for Ukraine

The timing of the political crisis raises concerns about Ukraine’s defense capabilities. The Telegraph cites an unnamed Ukrainian general describing the country’s defenses as “crumbling” in the face of Russian advances.

Germany, which has emerged as Europe’s largest provider of military aid to Ukraine, surpassing Britain, plans to reduce spending in 2025. The country expects Ukraine to sustain itself through loans from frozen Russian assets.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this. We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!